Cameron McEvoy Becomes First Aussie Man To Qualify For 4th Olympic Games (Quotes)

2024 AUSTRALIAN OLYMPIC TRIALS

High-octane action continued on day 3 of the 2024 Australian Olympic Trials, with teh likes of Ariarne Titmus, Cameron McEvoy and Mollie O’Callaghan in the water.

30-year-old McEvoy became the first-ever Australian man to qualify for a 4th Olympic Games. The Somerville House Aquatics star added his name to the Paris roster by winning the men’s 50m free, clocking a winning effort of 21.35.

Here are McEvoy’s historic Olympic results:

  • 2012 Olympic Games London – heats swimmer for men’s 4x100m and 4x200m freestyle relays which finished in 4th and 5th place, respectively
  • 2016 Olympic Games Rio – bronze in men’s 4x100m free relay, bronze in men’s 4x100m medley relay
  • 2020 Olympic Games Tokyo – bronze in men’s 4x100m free relay

On his qualification this evening, McEvoy stated, “About 18 months ago, my goal was to just come back, give this new training approach a go and see what happens.

“What I’ve done so far has just obliterated any expectations I had. I’m most excited to try and get this done (medal at Paris) and then just like compile what I’ve learned and just push it out there into the public.

“It’s special because you could almost fill a book with legendary Aussie male names in the sport,” the 30-year-old said.

“To have the privilege of having that title, having that type of longevity … it shines a lot on the persistence and perseverance that I have had.”

You can hear from other top performers from night 3 below.

Ariarne Titmus, Women’s 400m Freestyle Gold Medalist, New WR

“Honestly, the world record is a bonus,” Titmus said.

“I am happy to finally put together a swim that I know I’m capable of and it’s exciting to do it in my home town.”

Timothy Hodge, S9 200m IM Multi-Class, New WR

“To win Paralympic gold, it would be a lifetime achievement. I’m lucky enough to say that I’ve achieved every major gold medal in my sport to date and then world record too. So the only thing that’s really, really missing is Paralympic gold,” Hodge said.

“If I can achieve that this year, that will be the ultimate accomplishment and I can feel confident that if my career was to end anytime tomorrow, I’d be satisfied.”

Elijah Winnington, Men’s 800m Freestyle Gold Medalist
“Sam’s (Short) not quite at his best. He’s had a pretty rough couple of weeks … six weeks time is a very different story. I knew it was going to be a battle out there, but I wanted to stick to my guns and really follow on from what I’ve been doing in the heat of this meet. It’s just really go out after it.”

Winner Ahmed Kelly: SM3 multi class 150m IM
“I’m a bit wrecked. It’s been a busy few days and the pressure, the adrenaline, the stress but it’s such a relief to be able to get the time, knowing I’m going to Paris. Looking forward to seeing the announcement.”

Ben Armbruster, Men’s 50m Freestyle Silver Medalist
“It is like relief. It was happiness. It was a mix of everything, and I just can’t believe it.

“I asked someone to slap me earlier, like just before, because I feel like I’m dreaming.

“My poor family has been through the walls to support me and get me here. So, I think it’s also a relief for them just to know that everything that they’ve put in, as well as me, has finally paid off.”

In This Story

6
Leave a Reply

Subscribe
Notify of

6 Comments
newest
oldest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Swordfish
13 days ago

Job well done. Wish an in-form CM gets atop of podium in Paris.

Tani
13 days ago

Cam should be very proud of himself. As corny as it is, never give up!!!

Swordfish
14 days ago

CM keeps himself in form over a decade. Glad to be seeing him ascend to the highest podium in Paris. Go for it Cameron.

JoeSwimmer
14 days ago

Since he’s 11 days older than Emma McKeon, doesn’t that make him the oldest swimmer to make the Australian Olympic team in 32 years?

Greg P2
14 days ago

I hope Cameron wins an individual medal. He deserves it. Gold, silver or bronze…just get one individual medal. Lets go Mcevoy

‘Murica
Reply to  Greg P2
13 days ago

He doesn’t “deserve” anything.

About Retta Race

Retta Race

Former Masters swimmer and coach Loretta (Retta) thrives on a non-stop but productive schedule. Nowadays, that includes having just earned her MBA while working full-time in IT while owning French 75 Boutique while also providing swimming insight for BBC.

Read More »